Surgical instrument



June 17, 1930. w, TREHARNE I 1,763,939

SURGICAL INSTRUMENVT Filed Sept. 12, 1925 Patented June 17, 1930 UNITEDSTTES THOMAS W. TREI-IARN E, OF XENIA PIKE, OHIO SURGICAL INSTRUMENTApplication filed September The present invention relates to surgicalinstruments particualrly adapted for use in obstetrical work.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a simpleinstrument for effectively lubricating the uterine, and like parts,particularly during obstetrical work.

Other objects will be apparent from the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1 and 2 are front and side elevations respectively of theinstrument, parts being shown in section for the purpose of clearerillustration; and

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross section on the line 33 of Fig 1.

Referring to the drawings, showing the lubricating instrument as awhole, designates the stem portion, which merges at its 29 forward endinto the flattened or blade portion 21, the instrument having thegeneral outline of a knife.

The body of the instrument is hollow being provided with a longitudinalpassage or duct 22 the rearward portion of which is of circular crosssection where it passes through the stem 20 and the forward portion ofwhich is flattened corresponding preferably, though not necessarily,with the cross sec- 39 tion of the blade portion of the instrument. Asshown in Fig. 1, the front end of the blade portion is sealed and thecorners and edges of the blade portion are rounded so that the blade ofthe instrument may be inserted without harm to the patient. To expresslubricant to the desired parts, the instrument is provided with a numberof ducts or passages for the escape of the lubricant from the interiorof the instrument to the exterior thereof, these ducts preferablyopening through the edges of the blade. In the form of the inventionillustrated there is a central duct 23 opening through the front edge ofthe blade and lateral ducts or passages 24 opening through the sideedges of the blade, the lateral ducts 24: being inclined forwardly at anacute angle to the longitudinal axis of the instrument, although this isnot necessary.

The rearward end of the stem 20 is pro- 12, 1925. Serial no. 55,978.

vided at 25 with a screw-threaded portion or other form of detachableconnection for placing the central duct or passage 22 in communicationwith a source of suitable lubricant. While various lubricants may beemployed, the one preferred is petroleum jelly or other form ofsemi-solid lubricant of the types known commercially as Vaseline orunguentine, which will adhere to the surfaces to which applied to form alubricating and protective coating thereon and which have sufficientbody to function satisfactorily. The screw-threaded coupling 25 hereinillustrated is adapted to screw onto the neck of a small collapsiblesealed tube containing the lubricant, so that by merely pressing thetube the lubricant may be forced through the passage 22 and out throughducts 23, 24: of the instrument with considerable pressure.

To use this instrument the blade is carefully inserted between the heador other part of the body of the child and the wall of the uterus to thedesired depth and then withdrawn, lubricant being expressed as the bladeis being withdrawn. This operation is repeated as often as is necessaryto thoroughly lubricate the walls of the uterus and adjacent partsthrough which the child passes, interiorly of the constrictions tendingto retard delivery. The instrument is preferably formed of materialwhich is normally rigid yet capable of being bent, whereby it may bebent by the operator to the shape best suited to the particular patient.It is preferable to use the instruments in pairs one being shaped forthe right side and the other for the left side, although it will beunderstood that lubrication may be accomplished by a single instrumentif desired. One very satisfactory material is hard rubber which issufliciently rigid, normally, and yet may be readily bent and shapedwhen heated. Where such material is used a reinforcing rib 26 ispreferably provided about the end receiving the lubricant container.

The present invention provides a simple and reliable means forlubricating the uterus, thereby greatly facilitating the ease and speedof delivery, it being particularly beneficial in relieving what areknown as dry cases. A further advantage resultmg from the use of thepresent invention is that the passages through which the child passesmay be completely covered by the lubricant which, in addition toproviding proper lubrication,also forms an antiseptlc and protec-.

tive coating that protects the childagainst infection from the walls ofthe passages.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferredembodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and that changes maybe made therein without departing from the scope of the invention whichis defined in the appended claims.

- What isclaimed is:

1; An intrauterine lubricator adapted for obstetrical use comprising abody having a hollow blade portion having a duct opening at the narrowedge of the blade for the conveyance of lubricant.

2. An intra uterine lubricator adapted for obstetrical use comprising anormally rigid body having a hollow stem portion and a hollow bladeportion in extension of said signature.

stemportion, said blade portion having ducts therein for the conveyanceof lubricant opening through the narrow side edges thereof,

the forward end ofsaid blade portion being rounded at the corners andedges thereof.

In testimony whereof I hereto aflix my THOMAS w. TREHARNE.

